Key Takeaways: What struck us most about this collection was the leggings, over which dresses and skirts were layered. We also saw a host of cape-like jackets, oversized coats, and voluminous sleeves. Other trends included bows (left over from Spring 06), vests (a big story for this season), and handmade-looking chunky knits.

Silhouettes: Layering was once again the big story here. Leggings were in nearly every look, and they were seen under both skirts and dresses. Controlled volume was huge, and we saw skirts with gathered fabric at the bottom, tulip skirts, blousy sleeves, and cape-like coats.

What’s Not Wearable: Some of the pattered dresses looked a little matronly. Also be careful with the leggings–they can work, but check yourself in the mirror before you leave the house, lest you look like a throwback to the 1980s.

[...] February 14th, 2006 For your reading convenience, we’ve split the trends up into categories: Silhouette, Detailing, Garment Classifications, and Accessories. Enjoy!SILHOUETTEWaist Emphasis: Much like Spring 06, the focal point is on the waist.It’d be easier to list the designers that Didn’t follow this one. High Waisted Styles: Long-waisted women everywhere celebrate with a trip to the mall!Calvin Klein, Zac Posen, Alice RoiPowerful Working Woman: We’re just glad these pieces don’t have the 80s shoulderpads.Carolina Herrera, Zang Toi, Richard ChaiDresses over Long Sleeved Shirts: Reminds us of Marc Jacobs’ Mod collection a few years back. Anyone else thinking this?Proenza Schouler, WillowVoluminous Sleeves: Good for visual interest, but it can get theatrical. Aim for small puffs rather than Jerry Seinfeld’s puffy shirt.Carolina Herrera, Diane von Furstenberg, Three As Four3/4 Sleeve Styles: Add 3/4 length styles here, and we’ve got Uber-Cropped jackets.Proenza Schouler, Carolina HerreraDETAILINGOversized Collars: Oversized jacket detailing in its most visible form.Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Willow, Richard ChaiTuxedo Style Detailing: I wonder if this was inspired by March of the Penguins…Monique Lhuillier, Oscar de la Renta, Behnaz SarafpourFur Fur Everywhere: Let’s just say that PETA isn’t going to be happy.Carolina Herrera, Trovata, Chado Ralph Rucci, J MendelJapan, anyone?: Can we say Memoirs of a Geisha? Let’s just hope anime-style clothing isn’t in the pipeline.J Mendel, James Coviello, Nanette Lepore, BCBGRuffles: There’s just something so innocent and feminine about these ruffles. Doo Ri, Three As Four, Oscar de La RentaGrecian Draping: So Very Madame Grès.Proenza Schouler, Derek LamSheer over Solids: When done well, it can be great…but if not, it can be a little "Date Night with Barbie."Calvin Klein, Vera Wang, Donna KaranShearling: Somehow we keep thinking of those sheepskin car seat covers.Oscar de la Renta, Lacoste, SweetfacePenchant for Plaid: Reminds us of Trey from Sex and the City…only without the kilts.Trovata, Zang Toi, Behnaz SarafpourChevron Detailing: When you see plaid, you know that chevrons aren’t far behind…Vera Wang, Calvin KleinGARMENT CLASSIFICATIONSCapes and Capelets: Like we said, it’s The Poncho, Part II.Derek Lam, Monique Lhuillier, Narciso Rodriguez, Tuleh, Marc by Marc JacobsBubble Skirts: As long as they don’t invite Bubble Boy comparisons, we’re OK with them. Short girls beware though, as they’ll throw off your proportions..Doo Ri, Twinkle, United Bamboo, Calvin KleinVests: Time to raid the Wall of Vests at H&M!Tomer, Twinkle, Diane von FurstenbergSweaterdresses: The ultimate in comfort + style.BCBG, Lacoste, Behnaz Sarafpour, Y-3, Michael KorsShort Sleeved Dresses: Maybe skin isn’t in?Oscar de la Renta, Narciso Rodriguez, Carolina HerreraBoatneck Styles: Perfectly elegant and a way to show off a long neck (or make your neck look longer, as it may be).Trovata, Rachel Comey, Carmen Marc ValvoHooded Trenchcoats: Why would you wear a regular trenchcoat when you could get one with a hood? Lacoste, Three As FourToggle Coats: Can’t say how much we LOVE the toggle coat!Cloak, TrovataACCESSORIESSmall and Square Sunglasses: Out with the bug eyes, in with sleek, technochic style.Carolina Herrera, BCBG, Luella Bartley, Proenza SchoulerNerd Glasses for Men: These will go Perfectly with your "Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, All My Base Are Belong to You" T-shirt.Trovata, LacosteLong (up to Elbow-Length) Gloves: This is the Huge accessories trend.Badgley Mischka, Doo Ri, Richard Chai, Nicole MillerShort Gloves: First, it was Marvel vs. Capcom. Now, it’s Short Glove vs. Long Glove. We’ll hedge our bets here, but we always like to support the underdog.Derek Lam, Proenza SchoulerHandmade Looking Scarves: Straight from Grandma’s knitting club.Tomer, John Bartlett, TwinkleLong Scarves: Maybe not so functional, but oh-so-chic!Marc by Marc Jacobs, Carmen Marc Valvo, Calvin KleinChain Handles on Bags: The Hottest New Bag Trend.Heatherette, Narciso Rodriguez, Luella Bartley, Derek LamLeggings & Tights: Great for layering.Rachel Comey, Twinkle, Yigal Azrouel, Trovata [...]